Biotin, also known as vitamin H, helps the body metabolize proteins and fats into energy. In addition to these benefits, studies have shown that biotin can improve hair growth and may help prevent hair loss in women with female pattern baldness. While biotin does not provide any direct benefits to the hair follicles themselves, it does help regulate hormones that do have an effect on the hair and scalp health. Let’s explore biotin and Its effects on hair loss and hair growth
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is a B vitamin often referred to as vitamin B7 or coenzyme R. It’s found in a variety of foods, but some natural sources include eggs, soybeans, cauliflower, spinach, fish, and peanuts. If you’re looking for an alternative to biotin supplements, you can find it in some multivitamins or in shampoos that promise hair growth. While many people believe that biotin promotes healthy hair growth, there isn’t enough evidence to support these claims.
In fact, according to a study published in Dermatologic Surgery, there are no major side effects associated with taking high doses of biotin for up to six months. However, if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications regularly, consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet.
The History of Biotin
Discovered in 1884, biotin was known as vitamin H for more than 80 years before it was officially named. Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and hair. Researchers have linked low levels of biotin to dry skin, eczema, brittle nails, hair loss, hair thinning, and acne.
Understanding Biotin and Its Effects on Hair Loss and Hair Growth
Biotin is a member of the vitamin B complex. It is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in water and can easily be excreted by your body. However, biotin deficiency is very rare because biotin exists in many foods, including eggs, whole grains, cereals, legumes, nuts, and yeast. This means you probably get enough biotin from eating a balanced diet. But what are the effects of biotin on hair loss and hair growth?
The RDA for adults over age 19 is 30 micrograms per day. However, biotin supplements are often recommended for strengthening hair growth or preventing hair loss. There’s conflicting evidence about whether or not these biotin supplements are effective for strengthening hair growth or preventing baldness. According to some studies, biotin may help strengthen hair growth when used topically with other ingredients such as arginine and zinc.
Other studies have found that taking large doses of biotin may actually cause more harm than good. In one study published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, researchers found that women who took high doses of biotin developed skin rashes. If you decide to take a biotin supplement, talk to your doctor first to make sure it won’t interfere with any medications you’re currently taking or cause any adverse side effects. Also, remember that there’s no conclusive evidence showing that taking high doses of biotin will strengthen hair growth or prevent baldness-so don’t rely solely on a supplement for healthy hair!
What Does It Do? Biotin benefits
Biotin helps cells metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and protein. It also supports normal growth by promoting healthy hair, skin, nails, nerves, muscles, and liver cells. What’s more: Recent research suggests that biotin may help prevent or manage diabetes.
Additionally, it can potentially lower your risk of developing heart disease and cancer. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that has no known side effects. However, high doses of biotin might cause gastrointestinal upset such as nausea and diarrhea. Although uncommon, taking large amounts of biotin might interfere with certain lab tests (e.g., tests for sugar in the blood).
To avoid any problems while taking high doses of biotin supplements, tell your doctor about any medications you take before starting to take them. High doses are generally not recommended during pregnancy because they could harm an unborn baby if taken during early pregnancy (see below). Also, avoid taking large amounts if you are breastfeeding because these high doses might be passed to your baby through breast milk.
How Does It Work?
Biotin is among the B vitamins that play a critical role in hair growth. It helps produce keratin, which is needed to grow and maintain your hair, along with other functions related to healthy skin. Adequate amounts of biotin can help prevent hair loss as well as thinning of your hair.
Natural sources for biotin include nuts, such as almonds; bananas; chicken; pork chops; salmon; avocado; cauliflower; beans, such as navy beans and lima beans; whole grains, including oatmeal and brown rice cakes. Because it’s water-soluble, excess biotin is excreted through urine rather than stored in tissues or body fat.
Side Effects
Although supplements are sold over-the-counter, taking too much biotin can be harmful. Taking large doses of biotin for an extended period of time may cause a deficiency in other B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Biotin excess may also result in low levels of glucose and fats in your blood plasma.
As with any supplement or medication you are considering taking, consult your doctor first to discuss potential side effects or drug interactions before starting a regimen of biotin supplements. According to WebMD, no specific side effects have been reported from taking biotin supplements.
Natural Sources of Biotin for hair growth
8 out of 10 people who experience thinning hair have low levels of biotin. However, a diet rich in natural sources of biotin helps to remedy thinning hair. The most effective natural sources are found in egg yolks, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Biotin is also widely available as a supplement.
If you do opt for a supplement, it’s essential that you consult your doctor first because too much biotin can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Consult your doctor before taking a biotin supplement if you’re already taking medication for diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease. Pregnant women should also avoid taking excessive amounts of biotin because it may lead to birth defects in their babies.
How Much Biotin Should you take to help promote hair growth?
The recommended daily intake of biotin is 30 micrograms. Some supplements come in 10- or 5,000-microgram doses. You may be tempted to start with a mega dose, especially if you have serious hair loss or want to grow long locks as fast as possible. But don’t overdo it: Too much biotin can actually slow hair growth, according to dermatologists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Final Words
In conclusion, hair loss can occur as a result of many different reasons. Biotin is a natural supplement that helps with hair growth but supplements should be taken in moderation since they can cause side effects such as nausea and headaches. Biotin supplements are available to purchase over-the-counter, however, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplement.
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